







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Plus the bathroom and the kitchen are clean. | |
| I hope it's not related to me! | |
| I am alone till my friend comes. | |
| Oh, sorry, I didn't know I wasn't allowed to order what I want! | |
| Well, I hope he doesn't keep on pooping all around the house! | |
| Erm... While your hands are already dirty... | |
| I don't want to stay in this house anymore! | |
| Do you remember me? | |
| Oh sorry, unfortunately, that one is reserved. | |
| Yeah, I'll have a beer, I guess you want wine, Cate? | |
| How is your mum, does she have any health problems? | |
| My cat is in the garden. | |
| I see them around a lot where I work, actually. | |
| Is your father sick? | |
| Hello, is that Cate? | |
| That's why you can't find the answer! | |
| Yeah, I've got it! | |
| Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | |
| Hello, I'm sorry I'm a bit late. | |
| No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | |